Joining a sorority is something that some girls cannot picture themselves doing. They view sororities in the way the media portrays them. I was one of those girls. While going through recruitment, I did not think I would actually join a sorority let alone be super active. Joining a sorority has become a life-changing experience for me.

My sorority has given me opportunities to grow in more ways than one.

I learned respect.

My sisterhood taught me that you do not have to agree with everything that your sisters do/say, but you do have to give them respect, no matter what. At the end of the day, you are still sisters. You know the same secrets, do the same handshake and are tied together by the same oath.

I learned how to be a leader.

Before joining a sorority, I had never held a leadership position. Elections were coming up in my sorority and my sisters told me to run for a position and I thought they were crazy. I thought there was no way in hell that they would trust me with a piece of our chapter. I was wrong—they did trust me. They pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me find something I was passionate about. They helped mold me from being an active follower to becoming a strong leader.

I learned time management.

Going to mixers, sisterhoods and other events with my sisters is always on the top of my priority list. I learned how to make time for my studies, sorority events and work. You will be busy the rest of your life after college —you will have work, a family, social events, taking care of a house and many more adult-like things. My sorority has prepared me to be able to manage all of that.

I learned how to be a part of a support system.

My sisters taught me that it is OK to not be OK. They taught me college can be really hard at times, but they are there to make it not so hard. They taught me to have an "I can" mindset because if I do, then I can accomplish what I need to. They show me that they are there for me and allow me to be there for them. They taught me you never know what someone is really going through. They taught me that no matter what kind of mood you are in, to always be nice.

I learned how important it is to give back.

Whether we are raising money for our philanthropy or volunteering at a local animal shelter, giving back to others teaches us how to be more grateful for what we have.

All in all, joining a sorority has changed me. It has changed my perspective on life. It has changed me for the better. The letters you wear makes you better than you used to be.